All about DICOM Files

The DICOM file type is primarily associated with GIMP.

DICOM	File extension: DICOM
	File type:	bitmap

What is a DICOM file

DICOM files mostly belong to GIMP by GIMP Team. DICOM is the filename extension of bitmap images saved in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) file format developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. These files are used to store and distribute images captured by medical devices such as MRI, ultrasound, and CT scan machines. Apart graphics data, a DICOM file can also contain information (such as patient id) that links the image to a specific patient. The contents of DICOM files are grouped into multiple datasets, each with its own attributes and the pixel data in these objects may be compressed with lossy or lossless compression standards such as run-length or JPEG.

How to open a DICOM file

You need a suitable software like GIMP to open a DICOM file. You need a suitable software like GIMP from GIMP Team to open a DICOM file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your DICOM file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a DICOM file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online DICOM File Viewer

Choose your .dicom file to view this image

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to convert a DICOM file to JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, ...

1. To do this, click the button "Choose your .dicom file to view this image" on this page.
2. After your file is opened in browser,
3. click "Save as..." in the menu.
4. Then choose the image format (e.g. JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, ...) you want.
5. Download the converted file.

Trouble Opening a .DICOM File? These Steps Will Help

Because .DICOM files originate from various specialized programs, they aren't universally openable.

1. Identify the Source: These files often come from medical professionals sharing MRI scans, or designers working with raster images.
2. Check the Header: Open the file in a hex viewer to inspect its first bytes:
   • "DICM" at offset 128 indicates a standard medical image.
   • Standard bitmap headers suggest a standard raster image.
3. Use the Original Software: The original program is usually required; try medical viewers like MicroDicom, or raster image editors like GIMP (by the GIMP Team). If uncertain, ask the sender.
4. Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your file onto this page to detect its format, extract readable metadata, and preview the contents.